Vinca minor 'Alba' is a white flowering form of the common periwinkle ideal for creating dense evergreen groundcover in shaded or partially shaded areas. Its trailing stems root as they spread, suppressing weeds and holding soil on slopes and under trees. The pure white blooms appear in spring and intermittently into summer adding brightness to dim areas of the garden. It is low maintenance, deer resistant, and adaptable to a wide range of conditions once established.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Spring with occasional summer rebloom
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Tolerates a range of soils; prefers moist, well drained
Watering Needs: Low to moderate once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant due to tough foliage and low growing habit
Native Status
Vinca minor 'Alba' is a cultivated variety of Vinca minor, a species native to central and southern Europe. It is not native to North America but is widely used in ornamental horticulture for its adaptability and evergreen nature.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides early nectar for Spring Azures and other shade tolerant butterfly species.
Beneficial Insects
- Creates habitat for ground beetles and other predators that control pests naturally in shaded gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for spreading coverage without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Use beneath trees, along woodland paths, or on shaded banks where grass may not thrive. Effective for erosion control and weed suppression in tough shady areas.
Companion Plants
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Adds coppery fronds that emerge in spring and contrast beautifully with Vinca’s white flowers.
- Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' - Soft yellow spring blooms bring a gentle complement to Vinca’s cooler palette.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Airy spring blooms and low habit match well with spreading periwinkle.
- Heuchera 'Palace Purple' - Deep purple leaves provide year round contrast to the periwinkle’s green foliage and white blooms.
- Hosta 'Patriot' - Bold green and white foliage creates a crisp pairing with Vinca minor 'Alba'.